The evaluation of the Jigsawdio program on the cognitive and mental health of people living with dementia: Mixed methods study

Introduction: Jigsawdio is a multi-sensory personalized puzzle system that blends images and audio to stimulate cognitive function and emotional well-being in people living with dementia. This pilot study was designed to provide evidence of the effect of the use of the Jigsawdio program on cognitive function and depression among people living with dementia. Methods: This was a single-arm, mixed-method pilot study designed to test pre-/post-changes in cognitive function and mood among people living with dementia. A total of 19 participants (people living with dementia n=9, caregivers n=6, and facility staff n=1) participated in the study. The program was designed to be implemented twice a week for six weeks, with each session lasting 30-40 minutes. We measured the baseline of the people living with dementia before the first session, and the final posttest was conducted at the end of the last session (n=9). After completion, semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with dementia, caregivers, and staff members (n=16). Results: Significant differences between the pre and post intervention assessments (post – pre) were found in cognition and depression scores (M: 4.55, SD = 2.92, t = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.31 – 6.80, p <.05; M = -1.00, SD = 1.00, t = -3.00, 95% CI: -1.76 – -0.23, p <.05). Qualitative findings indicated that participants experienced enhanced cognitive function and improved emotional health, though some participants also reported experiencing difficulties in solving the puzzles that led to a sense of frustration and emotional attachment to past experiences that should be considered by researchers of future clinical trials involving people living with dementia. Discussion: The findings of this study indicate that participating in the Jigsawdio activity can be instrumental in promoting improved cognitive function and reduced depression among people living with dementia participants and that this technology-based multisensory jigsaw puzzle program can be added to the inventory of promising innovative interventions designed to improve the cognitive and emotional health of people living with dementia. Conclusion: The study findings also emphasize the importance of technology-based jigsaw puzzles that integrate narration, photos, and music to provide a novel and fun experience that results in improvements in the cognition and emotional health of people living with dementia.

Duke Scholars

Author Kathleen Anne Welsh-Bohmer Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...